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Einstein Relatively Simple: Our Universe Revealed In Everyday Language
"Outstanding Academic Title for 2014" by CHOICE
Einstein Relatively Simple brings together for the first time an exceptionally clear explanation of both special and general relativity. It is for people who always wanted to understand Einstein's ideas but never thought they could.
Told with humor, enthusiasm, and rare clarity, this entertaining book reveals how a former high school drop-out revolutionized our understanding of space and time. From E=mc2 and everyday time travel to black holes and the big bang, Einstein Relatively Simple takes us all, regardless of our scientific backgrounds, on a mind-boggling journey through the depths of Einstein's universe. Along the way, we track Einstein through the perils and triumphs of his life � follow his thinking, his logic, and his insights � and chronicle the audacity, imagination, and sheer genius of the man recognized as the greatest scientist of the modern.
In Part I on special relativity we learn how time slows and space shrinks with motion, and how mass and energy are equivalent. Part II on general relativity reveals a cosmos where black holes trap light and stop time, where wormholes form gravitational time machines, where space itself is continually expanding, and where some 13.7 billion years ago our universe was born in the ultimate cosmic event � the Big Bang.
Adults and young people all over the world who are curious about Einstein and how the universe works.
Einstein Relatively Simple brings together for the first time an exceptionally clear explanation of both special and general relativity. It is for people who always wanted to understand Einstein's ideas but never thought they could.
Told with humor, enthusiasm, and rare clarity, this entertaining book reveals how a former high school drop-out revolutionized our understanding of space and time. From E=mc2 and everyday time travel to black holes and the big bang, Einstein Relatively Simple takes us all, regardless of our scientific backgrounds, on a mind-boggling journey through the depths of Einstein's universe. Along the way, we track Einstein through the perils and triumphs of his life � follow his thinking, his logic, and his insights � and chronicle the audacity, imagination, and sheer genius of the man recognized as the greatest scientist of the modern.
In Part I on special relativity we learn how time slows and space shrinks with motion, and how mass and energy are equivalent. Part II on general relativity reveals a cosmos where black holes trap light and stop time, where wormholes form gravitational time machines, where space itself is continually expanding, and where some 13.7 billion years ago our universe was born in the ultimate cosmic event � the Big Bang.
Adults and young people all over the world who are curious about Einstein and how the universe works.
398 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
27 people are currently reading
1 person wants to read
About the author
Ira Mark Egdall
4Ìýbooks2ÌýfollowersIra Mark Egdall is an award-winning international author. His latest book is Cosmic Roots: The Conflict Between Science and Religion and How it Led to the Secular age. He is also the author of Einstein Relativity Simple: Our Universe Explained in Everyday Language.
Mark is a retired aerospace program manager with an undergraduate degree in physics from Northeastern University. Mark now teaches lay courses in modern physics as well as the history of the science /religion conflict at the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Miami.
When not thinking about writing, Mark spends his time playing with his grandchildren and driving his wife crazy.
Mark is a retired aerospace program manager with an undergraduate degree in physics from Northeastern University. Mark now teaches lay courses in modern physics as well as the history of the science /religion conflict at the Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Miami.
When not thinking about writing, Mark spends his time playing with his grandchildren and driving his wife crazy.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
April 3, 2015
This review has turned out entirely different from the way I expected after the first chapter or two of Ira Mark Egdall's exploration of the special and general theories of relativity. Frankly, I was all set to give up, as I initially found the book very irritating, but I'm glad I continued, because it turned out to be like a good friend. Just as you like the friend despite their irritating habits, so there was enough here to make it worth suffering a little - at least, if you are part of the right kind of audience.
Let's get the irritating bits out of the way. Because the book is trying to be popular science, it includes a reasonable amount of biography, but it is pretty lightweight. The most glaring example is that we read 'He and his wife Mileva Marić were becoming increasingly estranged during this period. Nonetheless, Albert fathered a second child with Mileva, their son Eduard, in July of 1910.' No, that would be their third child. Poor old Lieserl doesn't get a mention. I also found the way that Edgall goes out of his way to use US units rather than scientific units, without even offering both (except on one single occasion, which makes me wonder if the publisher took them out) frustrating. Seeing the speed of light in miles per hour was just weird.
Perhaps the worst aspect was the author's determined attempt to drive the reader mad by repeated misusing the word 'per'. This Latin term has very specific uses in English, such as 'miles per hour'. But it is really painful when the author regularly uses it to mean 'taking the view of' or 'according to'. On one spread alone we get 'Per Einstein, you see my watch...', 'Per Einstein's theory...', 'Per special relativity, the length of an object...' and 'Per Einstein's formula...' I visibly flinched each time this happened, and never got over it.
All in all, the book feels like a de-mathematised text book, with a bit of historical context sprinkled in, while the examples are made cringingly embarrassing by the attempt to make them 'friendly' by putting in childish characters like Surfer Sally and Crash the rocket jockey. It's a bit like trying to make a limo out of a racing car by stripping out all the powerful stuff and adding in faux leather seats. You end up with something that isn’t satisfying for either requirement.
However, here's the weird thing. By about half way through the special theory section I discovered that I was finding the book interesting, and though there was lots that was familiar, there were also some examples I'd never seen before. What's more Egdall genuinely does have an ability to present his subject in a way that isn't too dry, only optionally includes equations (though I found them very useful) and really enhances the understanding. All the way through the general theory I continued to appreciate what I was getting.
So here's the payoff. This isn't really a popular science book. Ignore the so-so biography and it's real nature shines through: an easy reader textbook. And that is something that could genuinely be of interest to, say, an engineer who wants to pick up some basics of relativity, a science graduate who has forgotten half he was taught, or someone who has started with popular science books but wants something with a bit more teeth. This might be a quite narrow market, but the book fits into it brilliantly, and really delivers 100 per cent for that kind of reader - for them it's highly recommended. As long as they can cope with the 'per's.
Let's get the irritating bits out of the way. Because the book is trying to be popular science, it includes a reasonable amount of biography, but it is pretty lightweight. The most glaring example is that we read 'He and his wife Mileva Marić were becoming increasingly estranged during this period. Nonetheless, Albert fathered a second child with Mileva, their son Eduard, in July of 1910.' No, that would be their third child. Poor old Lieserl doesn't get a mention. I also found the way that Edgall goes out of his way to use US units rather than scientific units, without even offering both (except on one single occasion, which makes me wonder if the publisher took them out) frustrating. Seeing the speed of light in miles per hour was just weird.
Perhaps the worst aspect was the author's determined attempt to drive the reader mad by repeated misusing the word 'per'. This Latin term has very specific uses in English, such as 'miles per hour'. But it is really painful when the author regularly uses it to mean 'taking the view of' or 'according to'. On one spread alone we get 'Per Einstein, you see my watch...', 'Per Einstein's theory...', 'Per special relativity, the length of an object...' and 'Per Einstein's formula...' I visibly flinched each time this happened, and never got over it.
All in all, the book feels like a de-mathematised text book, with a bit of historical context sprinkled in, while the examples are made cringingly embarrassing by the attempt to make them 'friendly' by putting in childish characters like Surfer Sally and Crash the rocket jockey. It's a bit like trying to make a limo out of a racing car by stripping out all the powerful stuff and adding in faux leather seats. You end up with something that isn’t satisfying for either requirement.
However, here's the weird thing. By about half way through the special theory section I discovered that I was finding the book interesting, and though there was lots that was familiar, there were also some examples I'd never seen before. What's more Egdall genuinely does have an ability to present his subject in a way that isn't too dry, only optionally includes equations (though I found them very useful) and really enhances the understanding. All the way through the general theory I continued to appreciate what I was getting.
So here's the payoff. This isn't really a popular science book. Ignore the so-so biography and it's real nature shines through: an easy reader textbook. And that is something that could genuinely be of interest to, say, an engineer who wants to pick up some basics of relativity, a science graduate who has forgotten half he was taught, or someone who has started with popular science books but wants something with a bit more teeth. This might be a quite narrow market, but the book fits into it brilliantly, and really delivers 100 per cent for that kind of reader - for them it's highly recommended. As long as they can cope with the 'per's.
December 16, 2020
This was the clearest exposition of Einstein's contributions I have read. The author makes it seem so easy you wonder why people think it's so deep and confusing. He has included a lot of biographical information as well, which really adds to the book and gives the science the feeling of a story. There's enough math available in the book for anyone interested but the author sets it apart so for those who aren't interested in the math can skip the neatly marked sections with the math. The book is fully sourced and there are many appendices that provide interesting side bar information. I read just a few pages at a time because the sections were each so rich it had to digest one or two before I could go on.
August 27, 2018
A concise explanation of some of the most baffling minds and concepts of our generation. Definitely a re-read
September 3, 2016
I have never been known for my scientific know-how. In fact, I took Science Double-Award at GCSE level, which meant I only took chemistry and biology. Poor physics disappeared from my curriculum at an early age.
It's amazing how certain things that never interested me in school, interest me now.
This book is very well written. He doesn't patronise you as he breaks everything down into easy to digest bite size pieces, with all the jargon explained. He builds theories on top of each other, reinforcing the earlier ones instead of leaving them fall into the recesses of your mind.
Before I knew it I was flying through jargon that would have had me stumped before hand. I now have a working understanding of physics! How did that happen?
My favourite element of his book is how he uses funny stories and helpful diagrams to paint a picture that is impossible not to understand. I loved the crazy characters he created to make a point, from Crash and Steady Eddie to the Zaslaw twins, and one of the diagrams that I don't think will ever leave me, is how an 18ft pole can fit into a 10ft barn!
I knew who Einstein was, let's face it, who doesn't? But, I had no idea who Lorentz was, or many of the other important figures brought up in this book!
So, I followed Einstein through his Childhood education, his ups and downs in the work place, through to his successes as his theories shook the world. I learnt that Einstein put his signature on a counter-manifesto calling for peace, which only four others signed, and of his involvement in the creation of the first atomic bomb.
But, I also met "an unpaid lab assistant, a former law student and Spanish teacher, a former janitor, a brilliant Russian mathematician, a Catholic priest, [and] a jokester physicist" without whom the Big Bang Theory would not exist.
I highly recommend that you invest your time in this book! Amaze your friends and family with your newfound knowledge, because I certainly have!
It's amazing how certain things that never interested me in school, interest me now.
This book is very well written. He doesn't patronise you as he breaks everything down into easy to digest bite size pieces, with all the jargon explained. He builds theories on top of each other, reinforcing the earlier ones instead of leaving them fall into the recesses of your mind.
Before I knew it I was flying through jargon that would have had me stumped before hand. I now have a working understanding of physics! How did that happen?
My favourite element of his book is how he uses funny stories and helpful diagrams to paint a picture that is impossible not to understand. I loved the crazy characters he created to make a point, from Crash and Steady Eddie to the Zaslaw twins, and one of the diagrams that I don't think will ever leave me, is how an 18ft pole can fit into a 10ft barn!
I knew who Einstein was, let's face it, who doesn't? But, I had no idea who Lorentz was, or many of the other important figures brought up in this book!
So, I followed Einstein through his Childhood education, his ups and downs in the work place, through to his successes as his theories shook the world. I learnt that Einstein put his signature on a counter-manifesto calling for peace, which only four others signed, and of his involvement in the creation of the first atomic bomb.
But, I also met "an unpaid lab assistant, a former law student and Spanish teacher, a former janitor, a brilliant Russian mathematician, a Catholic priest, [and] a jokester physicist" without whom the Big Bang Theory would not exist.
I highly recommend that you invest your time in this book! Amaze your friends and family with your newfound knowledge, because I certainly have!
April 30, 2014
This was very fun reading this book why can’t college textbooks be like that? I’m too old to remember most elementary, MS (Junior HS)/HS books. Einstein Relatively E = MC², you had to learn this at a very young age. This book also contained lots of analogies & real-life examples. Guess what I now understand Einstein’s others (nerds, geeks, brainiacs, OK geniuses) theory, concepts, etc. This is a must read for older teens or adults.
Mathematics is defiantly not my forte. Statistics however I had no problem getting lots of A’s in both undergrad/grad school. I love that stuff. It’s amazing when I was about 7-16 my dad hated to move: my rock, & bug, leaf as well as files/pictures on animals/bird’s collection (computers weren’t around) & of course my chemistry sets. OK just my rock collection.
When I got to earth science in undergrad I couldn’t tell you a tulip from a turnip, a cloud from the ocean. I did great in in Biology/science. Lab is my thing, especially blowing up stuff. I passed both though.
Algebra it took me my entire undergrad career (life time student) to pass. Well I dated 2 of the good looking female grad assistants. I flunked my Mandt test for another Alma Mater Grad school but I already had 1 MSW so they let me in the 2 programs (Rehab & D/A counseling) anyway.
A very awesome book cover, great font, illustrations & writing style. A very well documented historical fun-filled, humorous informative written book on mathematics/science. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make a great PP presentation or documentary TV series. A book you won’t want to put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Autographed book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
Mathematics is defiantly not my forte. Statistics however I had no problem getting lots of A’s in both undergrad/grad school. I love that stuff. It’s amazing when I was about 7-16 my dad hated to move: my rock, & bug, leaf as well as files/pictures on animals/bird’s collection (computers weren’t around) & of course my chemistry sets. OK just my rock collection.
When I got to earth science in undergrad I couldn’t tell you a tulip from a turnip, a cloud from the ocean. I did great in in Biology/science. Lab is my thing, especially blowing up stuff. I passed both though.
Algebra it took me my entire undergrad career (life time student) to pass. Well I dated 2 of the good looking female grad assistants. I flunked my Mandt test for another Alma Mater Grad school but I already had 1 MSW so they let me in the 2 programs (Rehab & D/A counseling) anyway.
A very awesome book cover, great font, illustrations & writing style. A very well documented historical fun-filled, humorous informative written book on mathematics/science. It was very easy to read/follow from start/finish & never a dull moment. No grammar errors, repetitive or out of line sequence sentences. Lots of exciting scenarios, with several twists/turns & a great set of unique characters to keep track of. This could make a great PP presentation or documentary TV series. A book you won’t want to put down. There is no doubt in my mind this is a very easy rating of 5 stars.
Thank you for the free Autographed book
Tony Parsons MSW (Washburn)
February 15, 2014
Einstein Relatively Simple by Ira Mark Egdall is being written to tell Einstein’s story with the uses of Analogies and real-life examples. We all heard of Einstein’s � genius � right? Now, the history behind the science and the fame behind physics are explained. All that is described in part is possibly very small but as a whole is quite significant since it turned out be revolutionary. Einstein is a theoretical physicist and IM Egdall goes on saying that Einstein was aware of the conflict between Newton and Maxwell. What is Einstein experimenting on? Looks like equations. Space and it’s shrinking of time. Muons? What is that? It is fascinating to read how IM Egdall puts it all together, a rain of muons is pouring down on us from Earth’s upper atmosphere.
It seems that a muons detector does exist. Muons have a short life but they are equipped with time dilation. (wish that would happen to me) It is also interesting to see and read on page 71, summary of speed light. Figure 6.4 gives clear indication that motion is relative.
Many interesting points can be seen here. I would call it a book of reference and would say that it is quite interesting. Newton is not always right and Einstein finds the equations while Spacetime is being scrutinized. I like Einstein’s Dream around the sun.
Very informative full of “works� of geniuses we just don’t capture in on single book. I do recommend for YA and up.
Adriana LG
It seems that a muons detector does exist. Muons have a short life but they are equipped with time dilation. (wish that would happen to me) It is also interesting to see and read on page 71, summary of speed light. Figure 6.4 gives clear indication that motion is relative.
Many interesting points can be seen here. I would call it a book of reference and would say that it is quite interesting. Newton is not always right and Einstein finds the equations while Spacetime is being scrutinized. I like Einstein’s Dream around the sun.
Very informative full of “works� of geniuses we just don’t capture in on single book. I do recommend for YA and up.
Adriana LG
September 18, 2014
This is not my choice when it comes to reading books. I'm more into historical fiction. That is why my favorite part of the book is how Mark weaves the history with the actual science. Einstein's life was quite unique.
If the subject on the universe intrigues you I know you will find this book both entertaining and educational. The fanciful stories with the cartoon like characters will keep you interested while you slowly learn to understand the theories.
Just in case you are interested, there are shaded grey areas containing math equations throughout the book to satisfy the mathematicians who want to correlate the math with the physics. If you choose to skip these it is solely up to you.
I believe Mark has a knack for taking a complicated subject and making it almost seem easy. If you want to expand your knowledge and have fun doing it this book will accomplish that.
If the subject on the universe intrigues you I know you will find this book both entertaining and educational. The fanciful stories with the cartoon like characters will keep you interested while you slowly learn to understand the theories.
Just in case you are interested, there are shaded grey areas containing math equations throughout the book to satisfy the mathematicians who want to correlate the math with the physics. If you choose to skip these it is solely up to you.
I believe Mark has a knack for taking a complicated subject and making it almost seem easy. If you want to expand your knowledge and have fun doing it this book will accomplish that.
December 20, 2016
A good book for those who wish to acquire a basic understanding of Einsten's theory of relativity; the book is well structured and the maths is pretty easy, however some central concepts of the theory are only described in general terms.
February 2, 2016
Finally I understand the basic concepts of relatively! Impressive. Want to read more on this topic.
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